Saltwater Fishing Information for the Texas Gulf Coast, Inshore and Offshore
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CURRENT MOON
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You have all probably heard at one time or another that trout move and react much more slowly during colder months of the year. That trout tend to conserve their energy at the onset of the natural internal adjustment to their metabolism which occurs during these periods is absolutely true, and a slower metabolism on winter days is what makes for a reduction in aggressive feeding habits at these times. It is during these colder days that it will help you to slow down on your bait presentation. As you diminish the speed of your retrieve, the speed of the bait also declines, which results in the bait working the lowest portion of the water column. In theory, the trout prefer deeper depths during cold periods because deep water maintains a much more consistent water temperature for a longer period of time. The deeper water will not undergo fluctuations in temperature as rapidly, or at the same level of variance, as that of more shallow waters - it takes longer period of time for deep water to be effected by surface water changes. In that the wading environment for the Texas coastal angler generally consists of water depths from 1ft. to 5ft., it is important to keep in mind that when we speak of deeper water we could be referring to a difference in depth as little as only a foot, or as much as 4ft. The fish will key in on areas, or depths, that will potentially apply or present the least amount of biological change to them for a prolonged period of time. So, we'll need to experiment. If we're wading in thigh-deep water, we'll first check out the lowest part of the water column by casting a bottom-rigged plastic out into a nearby depth of 5ft. No strikes? Well, for whatever reason, the fish have discovered better or more consistent conditions somewhere between the bay floor and the surface. This could be due to any of a number of reasons, but one of the more prominent being the continual existence of underwater currents that incessantly flow without interruption throughout different levels of the water column at any given time.
OK, it's time to explore the rest of the water column - that part of the water residing between the bay floor and the surface. This is where subsurface and slow-sinking lures play an important role in catching big trout during February. These lure types have become increasingly popular for winter fishing on the Texas coast, and some of my personal favorites include the Corky Fat Boy, the Corky Devil, and the regular slow-sinking Corky. A previous favorite of mine was the Catch 200 family, but is one I have not used quite as mush in recent years. In making your selection, remember the importance of picking the lure you have the most confidence in.
When fishing shorelines with these baits, start by slowing your retrieve; allowing the bait to sink a foot below the surface. When fishing deep reefs, I like to let these baits fall between the middle and lower water column. But, whether I'm fishing shorelines or reefs, I start reeling at a slow-to-moderate speed once the bait sinks. It's good practice to make sudden stops with the lure, allowing it to fall. Once the lure has fallen, begin reeling at a slow pace at first - if it feels too comfortable, it's probably the wrong speed. However, if you discover grass on the treble hooks, you're allowing the lure to sit too long. Most importantly, if you find yourself casting more often than once per minute, then you are definitely working your retrieve too fast. Pay attention to how the trout hits the lure. In deeper water, I normally get hits on subsurface lures as the lure falls. In shallower water, I have more trout hit aggressively just as I begin reeling the lure just after it has fallen.
Any of the subsurface or slow-sinking lures mentioned above will allow you to keep the target out in front of the fish for a longer period of time, while at the same time delivering a slower presentation.
